Día de los Reyes Magos: Epiphany in Spain
When Christmas decorations slowly disappear from the scene in Poland and the echoes of New Year's Eve fade away, a unique celebration begins in Spain! It's Día de los Reyes Magos - Epiphany - a day that is like a second Christmas for Spanish children.
Cabalgata de Reyes: Street Procession
The celebration of Día de los Reyes Magos begins on the evening of January 5, when an extraordinary event takes place in Spanish cities and towns - Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos.
The Epiphany Procession is a real street gala, with Kacper, Melchior and Balthazar leading the way. On camels or decorated carts, accompanied by colorful characters - dancers, musicians, puppeteers - the Kings enter the cities in great style. Street stages, which must be spacious and richly decorated, are the center of this show. It is from them that Reyes Magos throw sweets to enthusiastic children - bringing a lot of joy with this gesture!
Reyes Magos: Stars of Spanish Gifts
The tradition of giving gifts in Spain is different from what Poles are used to. Although symbolic gifts are exchanged during Christmas, the real gift "feast" takes place during Epiphany.
On the evening of January 5, while waiting for the arrival of the Kings, Spanish children prepare shoes into which the Reyes Magos can put gifts. In exchange for gifts, children often leave something to eat for tired travelers and their camels. An important element of this tradition is the belief that only children who have been good all year round can count on trifles. In turn, for those who should change their behavior, Reyes Magos can leave a symbolic coal - the so-called carbón de Reyes, which looks like real lumps.
Roscón de Reyes: A cake full of secrets
Roscón de Reyes, also called Epiphany cake, is a traditional element of the Spanish celebration of Día de los Reyes Magos. It is a round, yeast cake whose surface is decorated with candied fruit. These colorful accessories symbolize the precious jewels that once decorated the clothes of the Three Kings. The variety of Roscón de Reyes variants is rich, and some of them are unique to specific regions of Spain. You can find traditional versions, as well as those filled with whipped cream, truffle cream or 'angel's hair'.
There are small surprises hidden inside the cake: a king figurine and a broad bean seed. According to tradition, whoever finds the figurine in his piece can count on good luck in the coming year. However, according to custom, the person who finds a broad bean seed should pay the cost of Roscón de Reyes.
Summary
Día de los Reyes Magos is a holiday that connects generations, providing an opportunity to pass on traditions, share laughter and stories. It is a day when Spaniards celebrate the deep roots of their culture in a unique and unchanged way.
